Jamie Macmillan and Lachie Hansen fighting to earn their spot in North Melbourne’s finals side

RETURNING North Melbourne defender Jamie Macmillian says he and Lachie Hansen will have to “fight for their lives’’ against Melbourne tomorrow night as they try to stake their claim for a finals berth.

Macmillan returns for his first game since Round 3 after recovering from a leg injury, while Hansen is back after three weeks out with a hip complaint.

The pair are among five inclusions for North’s clash against Melbourne at Etihad Stadium tomorrow night, with the Kangaroos resting several of their stars with an eye to the finals.

Star midfielder Daniel Wells returns to the side alongside Daniel Currie and debutant Mason Wood, while Michael Firrito and Todd Goldstein are both out with ‘’soreness’’.

Lindsay Thomas (knee), Levi Greenwood (calf) and Luke McDonald (back) are also out of the team.

Kangaroos Lindsay Thomas, second from right, and Todd Goldstein, fourth, out of North’s S

Kangaroos Lindsay Thomas, second from right, and Todd Goldstein, fourth, out of North’s Saturday night assignment. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

Hansen, who last played in Round 19, said he was aware he had to perform this weekend if he wanted to be in the picture for the finals.

“I missed three weeks so if I don’t perform and play well tomorrow night, I might not be able to stay in the side,’’ Hansen said.

“So I’ll be going 100 per cent and hopefully all the boys will be going flat out as well and we can have a good win.

“It’s very competitive for spots, so I know if I don’t perform tomorrow night, I might lose my spot straight away.

“I will be doing everything I can to have a good game tomorrow night and get a win with the boys.’’

Macmillan echoed Hansen’s comments, saying he would be treating Saturday night’s clash as an audition for the finals.

“As Lachie said, if we don’t perform, we know this week that we have got some guys that are being managed I suppose and they’ll be coming back in,’’ Macmillan said.

“We’ve got to fight for our lives this week this weekend for sure.

“Obviously I’m rapt to be back in and hopefully I don’t let him (coach Brad Scott) down and I can take the opportunity.

Kangaroo Jamie Macmillan back in the side after extended lay off. Picture: Getty

Kangaroo Jamie Macmillan back in the side after extended lay off. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

“That’s all I’ve been waiting for is to take that one opportunity to come back in and hopefully I can take it this week and I’ll be doing everything to do that.

“Both Lachie and I aren’t stupid, we know that we have got this one chance to put our name up and if we play well then hopefully come match committee next week they’ll think a little harder about whether we play or not.

“Basically the ball’s in our court now.’’

Macmillan admitted it was a luxury for the Kangaroos to have a finals position locked down by the final round, but said there was still plenty for the team to play for this weekend.

“The last few years we have been around that eighth or ninth and trying to get into that last spot,’’ Macmillan said.

“It’s nice to know going into the last round we have locked in the finals spot, but I think we will be just trying to get all the structures right and make sure we work on a few things that even on the weekend we didn’t do so well.

“And really try and hit those nails on the head and perfect the game.’’